Vietnamese Cannabis Factory Busted: Warehouse Disguised as Fruit Storage Producing Hash Bars for European Market
Four Vietnamese nationals were arrested in Bangkok's Bang Bon district operating a clandestine cannabis extraction lab disguised as a fruit warehouse, producing hash and other cannabis products for European and domestic markets.
At 1:30 PM on May 26, 2025, Deputy Police Chief Achayan Kraitong led a coordinated raid involving Thai traditional medicine officials and the Food and Drug Administration to shut down a cannabis drug manufacturing facility. Four Vietnamese nationals were arrested: Nguyen Tua Na (51 years old), Pam Thai Dung (49), Do Phan Hoang (45), and Vo Van Am (39). Authorities seized substantial evidence including 442 kilograms of cannabis flowers, 20 kilograms of hash, 2 kilograms of rosin, 2.5 kilograms of wax-like resin, and 8.7 kilograms of cannabis powder, with a combined value exceeding 3.195 million baht. The operation was located in the Bang Bon district.
Investigators from the first narcotics division had been monitoring the residence after noticing suspicious activity, including frequent vehicle traffic and movement of packages in bags and boxes. A search warrant was obtained and the team discovered a heavily modified two-story warehouse with heat insulation to maintain temperature and contain odors, sophisticated air ventilation and conditioning systems, and specialized drug manufacturing equipment. No permits were found for cannabis cultivation, processing, or distribution.
According to Deputy Chief Achayan, the suspects had rented the warehouse for approximately two months at 15,000 baht monthly, claiming to store fruit. Investigation revealed they purchased cannabis flower from legal farms before processing and extracting it using specialized equipment to produce narcotics for both domestic and international distribution, particularly through entertainment venues. The second floor had been converted into living quarters where the suspects consumed their own products and used ketamine. The production process involved extracting cannabis flowers into powder, mixing with wax-like substances, and compressing into black pellets. Distribution methods are still under investigation but are believed to involve postal services and courier delivery.
Authorities are investigating whether additional conspirators beyond the four arrested are involved and if any Thai nationals participated in the network. Preliminary findings indicate an international organized crime structure with foreign leadership. The four suspects face charges including unauthorized manufacturing of Class 5 controlled substances (cannabis extract) for commercial purposes with intent to distribute, participation in an international criminal organization engaged in drug production and sales, and unauthorized processing or distribution of controlled herbs (cannabis) for commercial purposes without authorization. Investigation into the supply chain and distribution network is ongoing.
